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christian231

Time for New Windows. Need Suggestions Please.

christian231
9 years ago

Our house was built in 1963 and has the original double hung, wood 6 over 9 windows, which are in need of replacing. Against the suggestion of just about the entire planet, we would like to replace them with a solid wood product to keep with the look of the home. Vinyl and fiberglass are just not an option.

The windows are 48x72. We've already received a quote direct from Pella for approximately $33,000, which shocked us just a little bit. The one thing we like about Pella is they do the install as well, so the warranty is 100% with Pella, whereas if we did an Anderson window, we would have a limited product warranty and then an install warranty with whoever does the installation job.

We could use any suggestions for other quality manufacturers that produce a solid wood window. We live in San Diego, so we don't have to deal with snow, ice, etc. We know other names like Marvin, Jeld Wen etc., but would like to hear from others about their quality, service etc. Thanks.

Comments (11)

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    9 years ago

    If the frames and sills are in decent shape you can do a sash kit from Kolbe. That will save you a lot of money and you'll still have the same wood look. Marvin and some other brands have sash kits as well. Most dealers wont be as excited to sell you them since they don't make as much money, but it's a good option for traditional wood double hung replacement.

    If you want to go with a full window package. Marvin and Kolbe are still solid options.You shouldn't have any problem finding dealers in your area.

  • PRO
    Ultra Windows
    9 years ago

    If you're set on wood, don't rule out Marvin's Infinity wood/ultrex. They have real wood interiors, but fiberglass exteriors (low maintenance) that looks almost exactly like wood. If you look at it and still want all wood, I'd consider Marvin's Ultimate wood window, or Kolbe.

    Pella has way too many issues with dissatisfied customers and pending lawsuits for me to recommend them, therefore I'd suggest moving on from them.

    I'm not a fan of sash kits at all, but to Fenestration_Taylor's vast installation experience is worth taking into account.

  • christian231
    Original Author
    9 years ago

    Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. I'm not sold on the Pella product, but like I said, I do like that they do the install too and they do offer financing which is nice. We will definitely check into Marvin and Kolbe. I think we have dealers for both fairly close by.

    As for the condition of the current windows. We have some wood rot in the frame/sills on the west facing windows. The rest are in good shape aside from needing some re-glazing. The ropes/weights are broken on nearly all of them. They are so drafty and energy efficient, we figured it was time to bite the bullet.

  • christian231
    Original Author
    9 years ago

    Just an update. After a ton of research and quotes, we've narrowed it down to the Marvin Magnum series, Pella Architect series and the Kolbe Heritage. These are all full wood windows inside and out. The prices for all 3 brands are surprisingly very close. Not cheap mind you, but all within about $1500 of each other for the total order & install. Personally, I like like the Marvin and Kolbe over the Pella. The Pella doesn't have a bad product, but the other two seem to be more focused on building the higher end type windows. All of the Pella issues (lawsuits) seem to be with failures in their aluminum clad products, which we aren't using.

    I just wanted to see if anyone had experiences with any of these 3 window models and if you had to persuade me to go with one over the others, what your argument would be. Thanks.

    This post was edited by christian231 on Fri, Oct 3, 14 at 16:36

  • PRO
    Ultra Windows
    9 years ago

    Marvin and Kolbe are heads and shoulders above anything Pella makes. I'd avoid Pella completely.

    Between Marvin and Kolbe, I'd choose the better installer since the windows are pretty equal with a very slight nod to the Marvin for me.

  • dwhook
    9 years ago

    Yes...This is the Time for New Windows OS, with small confusion Windows has released Windows 10 instead of Windows 9...It sis going to rock Windows World....You can close your doors and open your Windows

    Here is a link that might be useful: Windows 10 Download

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    9 years ago

    Make sure the Kolbe Heritage is the Sterling type double hung. That is more comparable to the Marvin Magnum series. Both brands are great, the only slight advantage would be maybe that Kolbe is stopped at the interior of the window rather than the exterior like Marvin is. Having the glazing bead on the inside of the window on Kolbe I feel like it has less likelihood of glass failing, but that's more personal preference. Not sure what others opinion is on this.

  • christian231
    Original Author
    9 years ago

    Thanks for all of the input everyone. Looks like we're going with the Kolbe Heritage Sterling double hung. The price came in about 2k less than the comparable Marvin Magnum quote. Both seem to be great quality wood windows, but a couple grand savings was the deciding factor.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    9 years ago

    Can't go wrong with Kolbe or Marvin in either case so you are good.

    Keep us posted and let us know how it turns out.

  • WindowDistributor
    9 years ago

    You can also try Milgard ultra or essence, thats fiberglass window with wood clad. Or inexpensive option is vinyl windows. Like Simonton , milgard or Plygem

  • millworkman
    9 years ago

    Good choice on the Kolbe, pictures when thru would be great!